By Fisayo Dairo
Enyinnaya Kazie Njoku is not a familiar name on the scorers sheets for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/2022 table toppers Rivers United.
The right back no doubt is one of the most consistent performers for the team for the past three seasons. His tenacious displays week-in, week-out have made him the first name out on the pitch for head coach Stanley Eguma.
When it mattered most though, Kazie scored what turned out to be the winner in Sunday’s MatchDay 29 encounter with Remo Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.
With the visitors providing answers to everything the hosts had thrown at them, Kazie’s incredible anticipation proved decisive with fourteen minutes left on the clock.
Rivers United had a free kick awarded to them at the edge of the box. While Morice Chukwu took his kick, Kazie made a move at the far post in case of a possible rebound and he got just that, the ball ricocheting off his chest and into the net after Remo goalkeeper Kayode Bankole had saved.
“I feel very happy and excited scoring an important goal for my club today. It is a great feeling to be the match winner in a tough league game like this,” Kazie told www.npfl.ng after the game.
Sunday’s game, between 1st and 4th on the log was a feisty and highly tactical one which made attackers of both teams gasp for breath for most parts of the encounter.
Kazie believes it was one of their toughest games this season.
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He continued: “Yes I think the game was the most difficult game we have played this season. They showed us why they are up on the table and played with good strength and defence.
“You know there was a time they were even top of the table and that shows how good they are. The away leg in Ikenne was also difficult for us and we were happy we got a draw the same way we’re happy with the win today.”
There are nine match days left to play in this season’s league campaign. Rivers United currently have a seven-point cushion at the top of the table with 2017 winners Plateau United in second place.
Kazie, whose brother, Izundu won the league with Enyimba in 2019 is confident his team will not let their lead slip.
“I’m very confident we will go on to win this league because my teammates and I know the importance of us wining the league. We believe it is our time to shine and we will continue to work hard till we achieve our goal,” said Kazie.
On Match Day 30, Rivers United will make the short trip to Uyo for a date with Dakkada FC who are battling for their lives in the lower rung of the ladder.
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